Shrinking people until they are teeny-weeny had been done before – in the fun Dennis Quaid/Meg Ryan comedy Innerspace (1987) and the sci-fi adventures The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957) and Fantastic Voyage (1966), which are all worth a look – but this Disney movie is the best for kids, with its slick balance of comedy, adventure and family entertainment.
Slightly nutty professor Wayne Szalinski (Moranis) accidentally miniaturises his kids (and the neighbour’s two boys as well) with his new invention and, not realising what he has done, also manages to throw them out with the trash. The four children have to make their way back across the garden, a trek that involves the microscopic kids avoiding giant insects and dodging a life-threatening lawn mower and lawn sprinkler, which to their small bodies delivers heavy rain akin to a hurricane. Featuring clever special effects and fun performances from the kids, this is a treat.
Is Honey I Shrunk The Kids suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
Young children may be scared by the giant insects, especially in the scene where a scorpion and ant battle each other.
If you like this, why not try: Honey I Blew Up The Kid, Flubber, The Nutty Professor, Ghostbusters, Home Alone,